[ad_1]

The door closed Thursday for 49ers defensive coordinator Demeko Lyons to become the NFL’s head coach when the Carolina Panthers hired Frank Reich to fill the top job vacancy. Carolina initially requested to interview the Lyons, but they could not be together before the 49ers’ division his playoff game against the Cowboys. But Thursday wasn’t all bad news for the Lyons.

Reports surfaced from Mike Klis of Denver’s 9 News that the Ryans are the frontrunners for the Broncos vacancy.

Other Broncos head coach candidates include Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, and former Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts head coach. One Jim Caldwell is included.

Quinn was then dropped from the head coaching candidacy, leaving Payton and Caldwell as the Ryans’ only rivals. However, there are hurdles to hiring Peyton, the rights to which still belong to the Saint.

Chris also noted in his report that the Ryans are coveted by the Houston Texans – another team Ryans interviewed.

Per league rules, Denver can’t take any action until the Monday after the NFC Championship Game. Until then, you will not be able to take the second interview.